Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana recently in Jambezi
IN a heartfelt address at the funeral of the late Chief Shana III in Jambezi on Saturday, Chief Siansali from Binga called on companies operating in Matabeleland North province to show support for traditional leaders and prioritise job creation in host communities to improve livelihoods.
Despite hosting big companies, the Chief expressed disappointment that some communities still lack development and support from these investors who should be committed to contributing positively to their host regions.
Chief Siansali pointed out that some deaths in these communities could be avoided if sufficient resources were made available, and he urged companies to prioritise providing support and resources while host communities are still alive rather than waiting until they are in mourning.
“It’s common knowledge to everyone that we shall all die. However, some deaths we are encountering are a result of a lack of resources,” he said.
“My plea is that investors we allow to operate in our communities should love and care for us when we are still alive not when we are in a coffin.
“We die at times because we would have failed to pay hospital bills or for certain medical procedures. I thought I should say this in English so that company executives hear this concern,” said Chief Siansali to loud cheers from scores of mourners.
He also expressed concern over the lack of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by mining companies in particular, and called for them to invest more in their host communities.
Matabeleland North is a resource-rich province with an abundance of minerals, including coal, gold, lithium, timber, methane gas and fisheries, but the benefits of these resources have not translated into equal sharing or adequate support for host communities.
Many community members feel mining companies are not doing enough to give back to communities they operate in and are instead exploiting resources without investing in their host regions.
The Chief emphasised that community members and traditional leaders are keen to work with investors who prioritise and respect them and their livelihoods.
He singled out one company, without naming it, for being supportive and close to the chief’s family when they were seeking help for the chief’s health before his death.
“I will single out one company, but won’t mention it by name, and to that company, keep it up.
“It’s the only company that was close and working with the chief’s family as we were extending our hand for help when the chief was not feeling well. I’m not saying this out of anger, but I’m just advising these companies.
“Hwange and Matabeleland North are littered with several companies and investors, but they are not forthcoming when chiefs fall sick. They only come when the chief is no more. Of what help is your assistance if the chief is no more?”
Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, called on companies to respect traditional leaders and ensure that locals benefit from resources extracted from their regions.
“I concur with what Chief Siansali has alluded to. The issue of taking care of our chiefs as companies is very important. They must respect our chiefs, we have so many companies and we expect them to assist our chiefs so that they lead with dignity,” he said.
“Locals must benefit from local resources such as minerals and wildlife.”
The Chief’s powerful words come after some companies were summoned by Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, last month for polluting the environment and damaging infrastructure in host communities.
The late Chief Shana III, born Zondani Jonah Neluswi, was a respected traditional leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of his community.
He died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after a month-long illness aged 83.
Online Reporter